I have to rate this plant one of the worst weed to infest part of my garden. It definitely spreads by roots and by seeds; it is growing in my lawn and through my hostas and ferns. I have put a barrier between my long garden edge and I am keeping an eye on it. Tried Round-up but does not seem to impede its growth in any way. As mentioned before, pulling it out is futile as it sprouts more stems. Anyone knows how to deal with this plant?

As a gardener, this plant has been a stubborn and unwelcome visitor in my garden beds. The roots go deep into the soil, spreading new shoots periodically. It is very hard to eradicate. If broken off at ground surface, it tends to come back up with more stems than before. However, growing at the base of a tree or the edge of the woods, it is quite beautiful most of the summer.

In the spring, E. arvense first grows as a single, tan stem with a swollen, spore-bearing tip. The green branches appear later. In both stages, the stem is jointed and can be pulled apart and rejoined. Mature plants can be used for scouring cook pots when camping.